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Port Royal council backs resolution to restore public access, interpretation at Camp Saxton site
Summary
The council unanimously passed Resolution 4‑2026 supporting restoration of public access and interpretation for Camp Saxton on the Naval Hospital Beaufort property; local historic and business organizations backed the move and a grassroots group detailed tourism and retail plans tied to Gullah heritage.
At its April 8 meeting the Port Royal Town Council passed Resolution 4‑2026, formally supporting efforts to restore public access, interpretation and heritage programming for Camp Saxton and adjacent historic sites on the Naval Hospital Beaufort property.
The resolution follows years of regional conversations about reuse of the naval hospital campus and stems from recent outreach by a grassroots group, Call to Action, and other local stakeholders. Nate Pringle, who said he represents a group planning heritage tours and retail tied to Gullah history, told the council Port Royal is "ground zero" for this chapter of Reconstruction-era history and described plans for retail and golf‑cart tours to draw attention to local sites.
The council also read supportive letters from the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Military Enhancement Committee, both urging restoration of public access and noting a statutory pathway (the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act) for National Park Service administrative jurisdiction of adjacent federal land. The Chair said the town had previously worked with the National Park Service on related access and interpretation projects and welcomed renewed partnerships.
Resolution 4‑2026 passed by voice vote. Council members said they expect to pursue partnerships that balance public access with security and federal reuse, and to coordinate with regional partners on interpretation and tourism opportunities.
